I couldn’t be more excited to share my reflections on the recent Tech Venture Bootcamp. It was an incredible week, full of creativity, collaboration, and the kind of energy that reminds me why I love working in education. I want to start by offering a huge congratulations to the winning team and to all of the teams who took part. The competition was fierce, and every group truly outdid themselves.
The winning project was particularly impressive—a computer vision app that used a convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect the ripeness of coffee beans. What stood out about this team was that they went beyond the technical brilliance of their solution, and also built real-world connections. They managed to get in touch with coffee makers from Colombia, interviewing them and even receiving photos of coffee beans to test their model. It was this level of initiative and integration with industry that really set them apart.
But it wasn’t just about one winning team. I’m incredibly proud of all 17 teams who participated. Over the span of just a few days, each team developed a working prototype, showcasing not just their technical skills but their entrepreneurial spirit. Watching students take an idea, build it from the ground up, and turn it into something functional in such a short time was beyond inspiring.
One of the biggest surprises for me was seeing how well our first-year students performed. I had high expectations, of course, but our Bachelor in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence students went above and beyond. Despite being freshmen, they handled the pressure like seasoned pros. Their coding skills were sharp, their problem-solving was impressive, and they really shined when it came to collaborating as a team. It’s moments like these that affirm the incredible potential these students have, even at the start of their academic journey.
What makes events like the Tech Venture Bootcamp so special for me is the opportunity to see students grow. The energy in the room was palpable—everyone was pushing their limits, learning new skills, and discovering what they’re capable of. As an educator, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing that lightbulb moment when everything clicks, and I felt that over and over again during this bootcamp.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the fantastic work behind the scenes. Angela Rella Mora did an outstanding job organizing the event. Her attention to detail and ability to keep everything running smoothly is a big part of why the event was such a success. And of course, Dean Ikhlaq Sidhu—his boundless energy and enthusiasm were a driving force throughout the week, as always.
The Tech Venture Bootcamp reminded me of the immense potential of our students and the bright future of technology and innovation. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of their journey, and I can’t wait to see where their creativity and talent will take them next.
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